Meet Hassan Thomas | CEO of HRT Enterprises, LLC. And Founder of FYI FLI

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hassan Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hassan, what is the most important factor behind your success?

Easy.

God. Hard work. Consistency.

Literally, that is it. In that order. You have to keep God first because without Him — we’re incomplete. We’re all human and will fall short, but with God we have what I call a “safety net”. We will fall, but getting back up is easier with Him. God is there to lead and guide us. So, those feelings we get when it’s time to make a decision — it’s just not our gut. It’s God — telling us, “Hey, my son (or daughter), that’s it right there — make that play or don’t make the play.”

Next comes the work ethic and putting that into motion. This is something I believe I was born with and acquired from watching my parents. My mom, especially; she’s my best friend and my COO (Chief Operations Officer) of FYI FLI. I watched her run her own business for years while sitting at the kitchen table — just working 24/7! Even at my football practices, she would be out there with this big Mac laptop — focused and always grinding!

I recall one Friday night, last year during the start of the pandemic; I was sitting at the dining room table working and my mom was on the couch working as well. I was getting pretty tired, but I looked over at my mom still locked in and I said to myself, “There is no way I’m going to let my mom outwork me!” LOL I guess I inherited that competitive spirit.

The 3rd biggest and contributing factor to my success is consistency and due diligence. This is one of the MANY qualities that I picked up from THE G.O.A.T. – Kobe Bryant. (May him, his daughter, and everyone else on that helicopter Rest In Peace.)

Growing up watching Kobe hit countless game winners, win 5 championships, and all the other astonishing accomplishments always made me wonder…..how?! What is it that separates the champions from others?

When I was younger and even as I have gotten older — I watched videos and documentaries about him. Seeing his work ethic and his consistency — it made me want to apply it to my life. When I was consistently working out — I got better at football and my body looked better. When I was consistent in my business — we started a podcast and now we have over 13,000 downloads in less than a year. That forward movement birthed a new website with an app that is coming soon, a clothing line, and two major deals that will allow us to compete with the big boys!

I learned that it’s the mindset. THAT is what separates us. It’s making the choice…every day…to work…win…and repeat! You have to put the work in..no matter what! I am living proof that if you start with something small and remain consistent — you will see positive results. It’s just like with money. We talk about this all the time on The FYI FLI podcast. Compounding interest, the true reason we need to be investing early and often. If we stay consistent and invest our money in assets that appreciate our money will compound and be working for us instead of the other way around!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Well, I’m the type of person — if I hear a great idea I’m going to turn that idea into action. So from September to December, I did nothing but research, research, research. After having my surgery in December, I told my mom that when I got back to Tennessee — I was going to meet with faculty and staff until I worked my way up to meet with the Dean, and that’s exactly what I did. After hopping around on crutches to over 15 meetings — I secured my meeting with my Dean for March 3rd, 2020.

After presenting my financial literacy resources to the Dean, I was connected with a team in India who developed our website and is currently finishing up our app. Since graduating (online) due to COVID, we have established our financial literacy brand, FYI FLI. Since August 2020, the podcast has had over 13,000 downloads and listenership in 40-plus countries.

I’ve taught over twenty financial literacy classes to individuals ranging from five-years-old to sixty, been featured in newspapers, radio, and podcasts, and not to mention we secured our business foundation with a company called Centsai. This will allow us to pair our diverse and relatable content with a certified national curriculum that we can take to high schools and colleges.

FYI FLI’s (For Your Information: Financial Literacy and Investing) main goal is to become the #1 financial literacy hub in the world through our podcast, website, app, and online resources. We plan on implementing our financial curriculum into every high school, college, and trade school in the world because money is a global language that everyone wants to speak – fluently!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

First, We gotta hit The Breakfast Club in Houston! Most likely the line is going to be wrapped around the building, but that’s how you know it’s the truth!

Next, we have to go slide through and support my friends’ shops: Algoo Buenoo (16314 Stuebner Airline Rd Spring, Texas) and 3D’s Nutrition Shack (727 E. Louetta Rd Suite 115 Spring, Texas.) Both are places where you can get healthy and good food/drinks!

Then, we’ll hit up the hottest DJ in Houston: GregTheGemini to see where he’s spinning that night. Later, we all will end the night with Whataburger — that’s mandatory. Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, but instead of BBQ, you have to get honey butter with a large fry and a large blue Powerade. I used to get it a few times a week in high school. I remember the price was $7.22 now it’s like $9 something. INFLATION! (Learn about that on the FYI FLI podcast too.) LOL!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

God! And my MAMA! God for breathing life in me and my mama for instilling and speaking greatness over my life. When I was a little boy and even to this day, my mom told me that I was not made to be average – to never be average. And when I was younger, whenever my confidence was knocked down — she would pick it right back up. And now as an adult, my confidence doesn’t waver. This is why I believe that we have to speak life into the lives of our youth – constantly. It’s easier to believe the negative things over the positive because of the world we live in; but training our kids, early, to listen and believe the RIGHT voices will create postivity and success for our youth.

Although, my mom played a huge role in my life; it truly takes a village to raise a child. Shoutout to my dad (who never missed a birthday) family, friends, coaches, mentors, RMMFI (Business Bootcamp) for the love and genuine support. When you find people who genuinely love and care for you — you always have to go above and beyond for them no matter what and that’s what I plan on doing!

Website: https://fyifli.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyifli/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassan-thomas-039615152

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FYIFLI/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Rw9dyLz75MNwyxOSXoKSA

Image Credits
Anthony Mahoney – ShotbyXL – XLway